William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer II Predictions: Zepeda aims to do it better in rematch

William Zepeda runs it back with Tevin Farmer this Saturday, March 29 at the Poliforum Benito Juarez in Cancun, Mexico. The bout takes place over 12 rounds for Zepeda’s WBC interim lightweight championship. DAZN will broadcast the bout live.

Here are my Zepeda vs Farmer II predictions ahead of this hotly-anticipated rematch.

William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer II Odds

Zepeda is 1/8 to score a second consecutive victory over the same opponent. Farmer is 5/1 to even the series at one win each. The draw is available at 20/1.

William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer II Fight Preview

Most had expected Zepeda to campaign for a shot at full WBC lightweight kingpin Shakur Stevenson in the wake of victory over Farmer. That is his right as interim titleholder. But instead, ‘Camaron’ goes back to the scene of the crime against his most recent opponent.

There is both wisdom and bravery in taking on this challenge. Wisdom because Zepeda wants a chance to thoroughly defeat a foe who ran him surprisingly close in their Saudi outing back in November. Bravery, because the champion knows Farmer can hurt him and push him.

Fighting Farmer on the big Latino Night card in Riyadh was supposed to be a showcase for Zepeda. His opponent had reigned as IBF featherweight world champion five years ago but was coming off a points loss to Raymond Muratalla. Farmer was a cut above gatekeeper status, still winning the majority of his fights. But he was considered done on the world stage.

Farmer’s spirited display against Zepeda, which included dropping the favourite in the fourth round, led to a split decision. Questions were asked about Zepeda, who had once appeared to be a future star without a ceiling. But the Mexican seemed to bang his head against the roof against Farmer, even if he did emerge victorious.

I judge taking this fight as a wise, if dangerous, move. Zepeda could have cashed out in a big fight with Stevenson. But going back in with Farmer could equip him with the tools for that future fight. Right now, I think Stevenson would dismantle Zepeda with little trouble. Why not learn some more from wily veteran Farmer and try and restore your shine?

People are keen to write Zepeda off after the trouble Farmer gave him. But what better way to buff the dents out of his reputation than winning again and doing so more impressively? Zepeda now knows what Farmer brings into the ring. His training will have been spent poring over that thrilling first encounter and finding where he can improve. 

Of course Farmer also has a full picture of Zepeda now. But it is easier for the 28-year-old champion to make adjustments than it is a well-travelled 34-year-old. I believe there is every chance that we saw the best of Farmer last time out. I don’t think we saw the best of Zepeda.

This is why we have the fights. Both men have something to prove in this warranted rematch. Does Farmer stick or twist? Does Zepeda take the lessons he was well-taught by the veteran? This one is full of intrigue.

William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer II Full Card

William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer II 

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William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer II Prediction

I could see the difference in fight length from the first bout being a deciding factor here. Zepeda came on strong late in the first fight. That contest was a 10-rounder while this one will be over the full championship 12.

I think another grandstand finish from Zepeda can net him a points win here. A wider one at that. I’m going for Zepeda on points at 13/8.

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